Islamic State photos purport to show unharmed Palmyra ruins

BEIRUT – Islamic State posted photographs online which it said were taken in the central Syrian city of Palmyra and appeared to show its ancient ruins unharmed since the hardline group seized it from government forces.

Reuters was not able to independently confirm the authenticity of the photographs posted on jihadi forums by the Islamic State’s media branch. Activists in contact with people inside the city have also said there has been no damage to the UNSECO World Heritage site since the takeover.